Back in 1973 my brother Alan had outgrown his short scale
beginner bass. I had been studying furniture-making as an elective course at college,
so building an electric bass seemed like a pretty simple project. Researching and
planning a new instrument, I became fascinated with the union of strings and wood -
the porportions, balance, look, feel and tone. Alan and I were both happy with the
bass and I never really looked back. For twenty years I've been exploring the simple
project I started at school and it is just as challenging and fun as it ever was. I've
built arch-tops, solid bodies, 4-, 5-, and 6-string basses, electric violins, cellos
and harps. Trying to solve the physical problems and expand the abilities of the
instrument, I've explored non-traditional materials, studied traditional techniques,
sculpted surfaces, and designed and made new hardware. Boats, cars, airplanes, and
sporting equipment provided inspiration.

Increasingly, I saw the guitars available to modern musicians
as clumsy, limiting and gimmicky. I began to envision advances in form and fuction.
A superlative instrument must be beautiful, balanced, powerful, accurate, versatile,
durable and comfortable - a great tool which, at its best, inspires musicians to
greatness, but at least doesn't get in their way! Clearly, the evolution of musical
instruments is an evolving art form as complex and rewarding as music itself.

After teaming up with Larry Fishman in 1982, I knew that my new
guitars would also have a unique amplified voice. Since then we've worked together to
develop and refine The Fly Guitar into the tool you're now experiencing. Larry and I work
with a dedicated group of artisans - among the world's best instrument makers.

Your input will continue to guide and inspire us as we develop new
instruments with new capabilities in the years to come. Meanwhile, we expect you'll enjoy
many years of faithful service from your Fly.